Shashi Tharoor a Congress MP, slammed the country’s Olympic body chief, PT Usha, today for criticizing the wrestlers’ public protest over alleged sexual misconduct by the wrestling body’s head.
Ms. Usha criticized the wrestlers for not patiently awaiting the committee’s report on the allegations against Wrestling Federation of India President and BJP MP Brij Bhushan Sharan Singh, who has denied any wrongdoing, and called their protest “indiscipline.”
“Dear @PTUshaOfficial, it is not right for you to disparage the legitimate protests of your fellow athletes in the face of repeated and wanton sexual harassment.” Their advocacy for their rights does not “taint the nation’s image.” Ignoring their concerns – rather than listening to them, investigating them, and taking appropriate action – does,” the Thiruvananthapuram MP tweeted.
He made this statement the day after PT Usha, the president of the Indian Olympic Association and a well-known former athlete, harshly criticized the wrestlers’ protest as a “negative approach” that was “tarnishing” the nation’s reputation.
The athletes shouldn’t have demonstrated on the streets. They should have at least waited for the committee’s report. What they have done is detrimental to both the game and the country. “It’s a negative approach,” she explained.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has also expressed support for the wrestlers and called for justice in the case.
“We must all stand in solidarity with the wrestlers who are protesting.” They are speaking in unison. Our athletes are the pride of our country. They won the championship. The guilty must be brought to justice, regardless of political affiliation. Justice must triumph. “The truth must triumph,” she declared.
Arvind Kejriwal, the Delhi chief minister, will pay a visit to the wrestlers at Jantar Mantar tomorrow. Saurabh Bhardwaj and Atishi, two senior leaders from his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), will go meet them this evening.
Another politician, Uddhav Thackeray supporter Priyanka Chaturvedi, disagreed with PT Usha’s remark.
Ms. Usha’s statement elicited an immediate response from the protesting wrestlers, who said they were hurt by her remarks because they looked up to her for support.
The star wrestlers’ protest, which included Vinesh Phogat, Bajrang Punia, and Sakshi Malik, drew political leaders to their venue after they returned to the streets, alleging that no action was taken on their charges.
They took to the streets in January to protest the alleged sexual misconduct charges but withdrew their protest after receiving assurances from Sports Minister Anurag Thakur. They have also petitioned the Supreme Court for an urgent hearing, which is scheduled for today.
